[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING CHIEF LEONARD BURGESS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the 
great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leonard Burgess 
was appointed on June 8, 2014 to the position of Police Chief for the 
North Miami Police Department in Miami-Dade County Florida. I include 
in the Record the following proclamation:
       Whereas, Chief Burgess is a long-standing and progressive 
     law enforcement officer well suited to lead North Miami 
     Police Department. Having started his law enforcement career 
     in North Miami Florida in 1984, he spent the past 29 years 
     amassing, diversifying and refining his professional 
     qualifications and his personal attributes;
       Whereas, during his 20-year tenure with the Miami-Dade 
     Police Department, Chief Burgess diligently and effectively 
     served in numerous capacities, during this period he advanced 
     from the rank of police officer to the position of Division 
     Chief, where he was responsible for managing and supervising 
     hundreds of personnel;
       Whereas, from October of 2006 through December 2006, Chief 
     Burgess was appointed and served as interim Director of the 
     Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Later, 
     again he responded to the call for service when he was 
     requested and voluntarily returned as the Department's Deputy 
     Director;
       Whereas, as the father of three children, Chief Burgess 
     takes great pride in sharing his wisdom with young people to 
     positively contribute to their growth and development. Chief 
     Burgess has maintained a commitment and has worked tirelessly 
     for more than 15 years to assist children serving as a mentor 
     with and through the 5000 Role Model of Excellence Program;
       Whereas, prior to his serving the South Florida communities 
     of Miami-Dade County and North Miami Florida, Chief Burgess 
     proudly served his Country in the United States Marine Corps 
     and was honorably discharged after service was complete; and
       Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, 
     a Member of the United States House of Representatives, 
     representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, 
     commend Chief Leonard Burgess for his dedication to his 
     profession, and his commitment to serve others and maintain a 
     pledge to commitment and to personal involvement and assuming 
     leadership roles.

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